The next-generation ALK inhibitor brigatinib yielded high and durable responses in both whole-body and intracranial endpoints, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of over 1 year in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease had progressed after crizotinib, according to the ALTA* trial.

Lower plasma levels of α2-macroglobulin and impaired fibrinolysis appear to increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, a new study has shown.

In the study sample of 157 patients with asthma, 198 severe asthma exacerbations were recorded, corresponding to 64 events per year. These were observed in 34 percent (n=53) of the patients, of whom 33 had at least three complication events.

Those who experienced exacerbations were significantly older (p=0.004), had longer asthma duration (p=0.006) and worse asthma control (p=0.02). Those with exacerbations also showed significantly lower forced expiratory volumes in 1 second (p=0.01) compared with controls.

Interestingly, in those who experienced at least one exacerbation, clot lysis time (CLT) was significantly longer (p=0.038) and
α2-macroglobulin levels were significantly lower (p=0.04) after controlling for potential confounders.

Even in moderate and severe asthmatics (n=47), at least one case of asthma exacerbation was association with significantly higher CLT (p=0.002) and lower
α2-macroglobulin (p=0.04).

The next-generation ALK inhibitor brigatinib yielded high and durable responses in both whole-body and intracranial endpoints, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of over 1 year in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease had progressed after crizotinib, according to the ALTA* trial.